Browse Interview and Testing Tips Articles

*If still in high school look into a Regional Occupational Program (ROP).* Many local fire departments have community outreach recruitment programs. *Graduate from high school or obtain your GED.* A diploma is much preferred. *Talk with a counselor at a community college that offers fire science courses.* Set up a course curriculum that allows you to obtain a two-year degree in ...

Landing a job in the fire service is truly a unique challenge. On average, there are over 100 candidates who apply for each opening. Since the competition is so intense, what does it take to be the top candidate? [widget:flywheel_links] Many candidates believe it is important to be the "most qualified" individual in the testing process. The truth is that we ...

*Interviews* The fire department interview is a unique challenge that is a component of the hiring process for most fire departments. As a general rule, the interview is usually weighed more than any other portion of the exam. It is not uncommon to have each of the other phases of the exam weighted "pass or fail," while the interview is weighted ...

Fire departments have the luxury of choosing any candidate they feel would best represent their organization. To an outsider, if your friends are of questionable character, then so are you. You have heard the old saying, “Birds of a feather flock together.” If your friends are getting into trouble, then, potentially, so are you. Even if you are not a party ...

One of the important aspects of being a firefighter is community involvement. This comes in many forms. To some it may be as a little league or soccer coach, while others are involved in the boys and girls club. Some may be active at church. Whatever you choose to do, it is important to be active in the community. Many candidates ...

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This statement certainly applies to the interview portion of the firefighter exam, where you only have one opportunity to make a favorable first impression. Even before the start of an interview, the first thing the raters will notice about you is your overall demeanor and appearance. Your eye contact, facial ...

Tattoos have been around for hundreds of years and will be around for hundreds more. In today’s society, tattoos are becoming more prevalent, and in some segments of our culture, more accepted. The fire department is a paramilitary organization. There are standards for dress code and for conduct both on and off duty. As a general rule, firefighters are a pretty ...

It’s time for the reality check. America is in a recession and jobs are fewer while competition is greater. It takes even more hustle, dedication, and tenacity to land a job today than it did for your parents. Having a degree isn’t always enough and, sorry to break it to you, but you aren’t likely to get your dream job ...

The internet is an information-junkies “dream come true.” A novice “surfer” can find almost anything; and expert can do truly amazing things. I mention this, because not only is there a plethora of available information on “How to Become a Firefighter,” there is also some information that is conspicuous by its absence. The purpose of this article is to discuss the ...

Introduction In the past half a century, the role of firefighters has changed a great deal. There was a time when the business of fighting fires was not as involved as it is today. The job mainly consisted of was cleaning fire engines, taking care of the station and answering phones, and then rushing to an emergency when duty called. While ...

Worried about your firefighter oral board interview? First, take the proper amount of time to prepare. Being well-prepared will boost your confidence and lower your anxiety. Experts recommend that you spend at least three hours preparing for each interview. You should draft answers to the most common interview questions and practice speaking them out loud. You also should read up ...

1. Why do you want to work in this industry? Bad answer: "I like firefighting. I think it's really cool." Don't just say you like it. Anyone can "like" firefighting. Focus instead on your history with the industry, and if you can, tell a story. Good answer: "I have always appreciated and admired those who put their lives on the line ...

We all know that showing up late to an interview or dressing inappropriately can ruin your chances for a job. But what about the more subtle ways that could make you unexpectedly sabotage your job interview? Don't let it happen to you! Keep in mind these 10 common subconscious mistakes that you probably don't even know you're making. Next | ...

Rated: +3

FireLink School Finder

Save time in your search for a degree program.
Use FireLink's School Finder to locate schools online and in your area.

Area of Interest:

Degree of Interest:

Zip Code:

* In the event that we cannot find a program from one of our partner schools that matches your specific area of interest, we may show schools with similar or unrelated programs.